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There is a new reason to be HOPEful for seniors at a Bartow Avenue residence.

On Thursday, August 22, NYS Homes & Community Renewal, Connolly and Partners, B’nai B’rith Senior Housing, First Hartford Realty Corporation and Project HOPE residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed renovations of senior housing development Project HOPE, located at 2050 Bartow Avenue.

The rehabilitation at Project HOPE was implemented to improve its residents’ quality of life as well as to preserve the affordable housing for seniors. In total, Project HOPE underwent a $34 million renovation.

All 100 units received improvements and are now equipped with new bathrooms, kitchen appliances, lighting and were repainted. Exterior and common areas were also renovated and now include upgraded security system, smoke detectors, sprinklers, electrical, new masonry, replacement exterior doors, elevators, safety windows, plumbing infrastructure, boilers and pumps.

The 100-unit senior housing development, which was originally constructed in 1992, includes 25 studios and 74 one-bedroom apartments as well as a single two-bedroom unit for the on-site superintendent.

“Low-income seniors are among the population most urgently in need of affordable housing,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This project is a step in the right direction to fulfill the demand for affordable housing in our growing city, ensuring that our senior population can remain in the communities they call home as they enjoy their golden years.”

Diaz Jr. also thanked NYS Homes & Community Renewal for addressing the community needs and for facilitating the borough’s sustainable growth.

“I would like to thank Project HOPE, B’nai B’rith and the NYS Homes and Community Renewal for their commitment in creating affordable housing units for seniors in Co-op City, which is the largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in the country and serves its large senior population in various capacities, such as providing senior recreation, senior centers and events,” said Senator Jamaal Bailey.

“I applaud NYS Homes & Community Renewal for taking the lead in the renovation of B’nai B’rith’s Project HOPE, which created a sorely needed affordable housing targeted to our low-income seniors,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. “The project’s Section 8 status will ensure this housing will remain affordable for many, many years to come.”

The renovation of the 25-year old development, which sets aside units for low-income households which include at least one member aged 62 and older, will preserve affordability for an additional 40 years. All units are also set aside for households with incomes at or below 60 percent area median income.

“The Adelstein family is honored and takes great pride in the redevelopment of this residence,” said Martin Adelstein, president of Project HOPE Development Corporation. “Over 40 years ago, our father, Bernie Edelstein, the founder and pioneer of Project HOPE, spearheaded this wonderful example of his commitment to establish affordable housing for seniors.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was held in Project HOPE’s community garden, a lunch was held for the residents and all in attendance.